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Packet of Bex Powders

Bex pills and powders are an Australian cultural icon immortalized in the title of a 1960s Philip Street Theatre review, itself borrowed from the vernacular: ‘A cup of tea, a Bex and a good lie down’. And while everyone knew that the analgesic properties of the aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine in Bex and Vincent’s Powders were used by Australian housewives to help them get through the day, it took a doctor newly arrived from South Africa in the 1960s, Priscilla Kincaid-Smith, to recognise that t...

Physical Description

A box containing 'Bex Powders'. The cardboard Bex Powders box is printed in the distinctive blue, yellow and black livery of this brand. It contains 10 of the original 12 doses of powder, each individually wrapped in a paper. Text on the box indicates that 'Each 14 gr. powder contains 42% aspirin 42% phenacetin and caffeine (citrate)'. There are directions for use and the powders are recommended for 'headache, neuralgia, influenza, lumbago, rheumatism, sciatica and all nerve pains'.

Marks

Text inscribed on front panel of box "Bex / Regd Trade Mark".Text inscribed on top panel of box "Bex / Powders / EACH 14 GR. POWDER CONTAINS 42% ASPIRIN / 42% PHENACETIN AND CAFFEINE (CITRATE)".Text inscribed on back panel of box "Bex / For headache, neuralgia, influenza, lumbago, / rheumatism, sciatica and all nerve pains. / WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY BE DANGEROUS WHEN / USED IN LARGE QUANTITIES OR FOR A LONG PERIOD. / BECKERS PTY. LTD., Cnr. Crown and Campbell Sts., SYDNEY".Text inscribed on base panel of box "DIRECTION - If not under medical advice, take as follows for symptomatic / relief of: HEADACHE, NEURALGIA, RHEUMATISM, SCIATICA, LUMBAGO: / One powder. Repeat in an hour if necessary. INFLUENZA and COLD in / early stages: One powder as soon as you feel cold coming on, and again at / bed-time with hot lemon drink. / CHILDREN under 1 year - do not administer except on the advice of a doctor. / 1 to 2 years - not more than 3/4 powder in 24 hours. / 2 to 5 years - not more than 1 powder in 24 hours. / Over 5 years - not more than 1 1/2 powders in 24 hours. / Do not administer to children for more than 24 hours. / Do not vary children's dosage except on the advice of a doctor. / CAUTION - USE STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIRECTIONS".Text inscribed on each side panel of box "Bex / 12 Powders / 12c".